Thank you again for reaching out to me. My answers are below. Good luck with your remaining time at Leeds, please shoot me a link to your student portfolio when it's completed!
1. Why do you think so few women feature in the history of design?
It was definitely a man's world up until just recently. There are hardy women in the history of any field, let alone design. There is still a little sexism that still exists, but I think there has been an amazing shift to give more women the recognition and power they deserve in this field. Also, it might have something to do with how the woman of the house was supposed to stay at home and raise the kids.
It was definitely a man's world up until just recently. There are hardy women in the history of any field, let alone design. There is still a little sexism that still exists, but I think there has been an amazing shift to give more women the recognition and power they deserve in this field. Also, it might have something to do with how the woman of the house was supposed to stay at home and raise the kids.
2. Have you ever come across the so-called “glass ceiling” (the point beyond which women don’t get promoted) Do you think it exists or is it an urban myth?
In advertising, there are definitely more men in leadership roles, but right after graduating, I've been in an art director role and have not hit a glass ceiling yet. I think I've been really lucky with the agencies I've worked at, specifically Global Prairie. This company, co-founded by the strongest woman I've ever met, creates an environment where women are equal (if not slightly more favorited). All the women of the company have a meeting each month, to talk about news articles and books about what other women are doing to be leaders in the world.
3. Is it difficult for a female designer to find their place in the design community?
I didn't think so, but I just flipped through Communication Arts (the advertising awards edition) and there are hardly any female names in the more senior level positions. That's so depressing. Maybe our generation can shake things up in the upcoming years. Again, I feel very lucky at Global Prairie because they give everyone an equal opportunity to grow in this field.
4. Do you feel starting a family can cause some women to leave their career?
I think so. It definitely is a personal preference. I don't blame mothers who want to stay at home and raise their children, but there are go-getters out there that make it work. The beauty of graphic design is that it's so easy to work from home!
5. And finally… Does the gender gap matter?
HELL YES!!!!! We need to stop letting men run the show! Women need to get the credit they deserve. We are just as good, if not better, than the male designers out there!
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